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What is HDTV? |
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High Definition Television (HDTV) is the new standard for television broadcasting and will replace the current broadcast standard in 2006. Much like the advent of color television, HDTV is dramatic departure from standard television. In short, HDTV offers a clearer, sharper picture with truer color that almost looks as if it were a photograph.
To receive HDTV, you must have an HDTV capable TV or an HDTV capable TV with an integrated HDTV receiver.
Why is HDTV Better ?
First of all, HDTV offers programming that can be presented in widescreen, just like in the movie theater. Most HDTV's are widescreen, that is they are rectangular so they can show the full height and width of the program or movie. The picture size of a widescreen TV is often referred as 16:9 or 16x9 which refers to the ratio of the width to the height of the picture.
In contrast, the picture shown on a standard television is mostly square. Often the picture size on a standard TV is referred to as 4:3 or 4x3, which refers to the ratio of the width to the height of the picture. Broadcasters have to 'chop' off parts of a movie to show it on a standard television because the movie is wider than the TV can display and the standard television standard can not support the wider picture. Many times the network will 'letterbox' the movie, that it compresses the movie so it fits in the width of the standard TV screen, but this results in black bars at the top and bottom of your TV. When the network 'letterboxes' a movie, they have to reduce the resolution (clarity) of the picture. When a move is show in widescreen, the whole picture is displayed.
Second, HDTV programs have up to 10x as much resolution as a standard television. Naturally, an HDTV capable TV set is required to view HDTV programming. The table below compares the resolution of VHS Tape, Standard TV, DVD and HDTV. (note: a pixel is the smallest amount of information a television can display).
Television Format Resolution:
VHS Tape: 300 x 480 pixels
Standard TV: 460x 480 pixels
DVD : 460x 480 pixels (standard TV)
or
700x 480 pixel (widescreen)
HDTV : 1280 x 720 pixels (widescreen)
and
1920 x 1080 pixels(widescreen)
Some of you may have noticed that the ratio number of horizontal pixels and the vertical pixels does not quite work out to 4:3 for Standard TV. This is because some of the pixels in both horizontal and vertical dimensions are not being used to display picture information.
Also HDTV broadcasts are of higher quality than standard TV broadcasts. HDTV is digital (MPEG-II) video, while the standard TV broadcasts are analog. Analog broadcasts are highly susceptible to noise, ghosting, pattern artifacts (which you typically see when some wears a striped shirt or tie). Analog also has poor color reproduction. HDTV has none of these problems. HDTV uses the same MPEG encoding methodology as DVDs.
Finally, HDTV offers Dolby Digital sound, much like DVDs. HDTV offers the home theater enthusiast Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. Dolby Digital Surround Sound is a method for encoding digital sound offering greater dynamic range than analog audio and a wider frequency range (bass to treble). It also has separate left and right rear surround channels, a low-frequency effects channel (sub woofer), and a center channel in addition to the left and right front channels. While it is not necessary to have a home theater sound system to hear HDTV, it certainly enhances the movie or program.
Standard television audio is FM, while it can provide limited surround sound, the quality of sound from Standard TV is a far cry from what can be heard from HDTV, sort of like comparing FM radio to the sound from a DVD (DVD can offer higher quality sound than even a music CD).
Is Digital Cable the same as HDTV ?
ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY NOT ! Digital Cable offers a digitized version of the Standard Broadcast. Digital cable is as good a quality Standard TV broadcast. Even with digital cable, those channels below 100, including the local stations will look the same they do on basic cable since they are still analog broadcasts..
Is Digital Satellite the same as HDTV ?
Once again, ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY NOT ! Digital Satellite offers only a digitized version of the Standard Broadcast. In addition the satellite company compresses the digital signal (meaning they remove small pieces of the picture) so they can fit more channels on their satellite system. At best Digital Satellite can be as almost as good a clear Standard TV broadcast.
Both DISH and DirecTV offer HDTV over their systems and it requires a an HDTV capable set top box to receive HDTV programming.
Is A DVD Ready TV the same as an High Definition TV ?
No they are not the same. A DVD ready TV can only display 700 x480 pixels while and an HDTV can display up to 1920 x 1080 pixels. Most HDTV receivers will allow you to convert the HDTV signal down to 700x480 pixels (called down converting) but you will be missing the higher level of detail in the HD programming.
An HDTV should say HDTV somewhere on the TV set.
Of the 18 DTV formats, six are HDTV formats—five of which are based on progressive scanning and one on interlaced scanning. Of the remaining formats, eight are SDTV (four wide-screen formats with 16:9 aspect ratios, and four conventional formats with 4:3 aspect ratios), and the remaining four are video graphics array (VGA) formats. Stations are free to choose which formats to broadcast.
"Interlaced" or "progressive" refers to the scanning system. In an interlaced format, the screen shows every odd line at one scan of the screen, and then follows that up with the even lines in a second scan. Since there are 30 frames shown per second, the screen shows one half of the frame every sixtieth of a second. For smaller screens, this is less noticeable. As screens get larger, the problem with interlacing is flicker.
Progressive scanning shows the whole picture, every line in one showing, every sixtieth of a second. This provides for a much smoother picture, but uses slightly more bandwidth.
The formats used in HDTV are:
720p - 1280x720 pixels progressive
1080i - 1920x1080 pixels interlaced
The most common HDTV standards set by the ATSC are 720p (720 lines of horizontal resolution and progressive scan) and and 1080i (1080 lines of horizontal resolution and interlaced scan). 720p is also generally described as TVs being capable of 1024x720 pixel resolution (similar the resolution settings on your computer monitor), but individual HDTV sets may have actual different resolutions and still be able to support 720p. This is particularly true of Plasma TVs. The same goes for 1080i, which is described as 1920x1080 pixel resolution Note that 480p is generally not considered a HDTV resolution, but a DTV (digital television) or ETV (enhanced TV) resolution that allows you to view improved clarity from a DVD player that supports Progressive output.
There is a pretty sizable debate ranging within the audio/visual community on whether 720P or 1080i produces a higher quality image. 1080i has the advantage of having more lines of resolution, whereas 720p has the advantage of a progressive scan picture. The important thing to remember here is that both will be much better looking generally than a standard 480i (non-HDTV) signal, and that all TVs are able to receive, display and/or convert these different formats. So, you should not have any issues in viewing any HDTV formats with current generation TVs. Also, keep in mind that true HDTV signals are always in a widescreen (16:9 ratio) format, compared to standard broadcast televisions 4:3 ratio. |
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What parts do I need to install my new CD Player? |
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You will need an installation kit if your dash is built for a radio larger than a DIN sized radio (A DIN receiver, for example, is one that will fit in a dash opening having a width of 7.2 inches and a height of 2.11 inches, typically mounting with a rectangular metal bracket or DIN sleeve provided with the receiver). You will also need a wiring harness that will interface with the factory wiring plug that was in the factory radio. This will allow you to easily re-install the factory unit when ever necessary and some vehicle manufacturers will void factory waranties if you cut the harness up. |
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What do I need to install my new car amplifier? |
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You will need an amp wiring kit, which consists of power wire, ground wire, remote turn on wire, and a fuse holder. You will also need an RCA cable to carry your signal from your radio to your amplifier. If you have a factory head unit, you will need a special convertor(PAC SNI-8) to go from speaker leads to RCA outputs. |
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What is XM/Sirius Satelitte Radio? |
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Satelitte radio is the latest and greatest thing since MP3's. The transmissions are all digital all the time, which basically means you can travel anywhere in the U.S. while listening to the same station. With over a 100 channels to choose from-sports, weather, news or music, you'll always catch your favorite broadcast. |
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MP3 Music: What it Is, Where
to Find it, and How to Play It |
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The hottest word in music and computing today is "MP3." As an Internet search term, only the word "sex" rivals it. It seems that every time you pick up a newspaper or magazine, or read an online article, MP3 is mentioned, even if the writer really doesn't understand what it is. So, what is this MP3, and how can you benefit from it?
What is MP3 and what does it stand for?
MP3 is a form of compression. It's an acronym which stands for Mpeg 1 Audio Layer 3.
How does MP3 work?
As a form of compression, MP3 is based on a psycho-acoustic model which recognizes that the human ear cannot hear all the audio frequencies on a recording. The human hearing range is between 20Hz to 20Khz and it is most sensitive between 2 to 4 KHz. When sound is compressed and encoded into an MP3 file, an attempt is made to get rid of the frequencies that can't be heard.
When encoding a file into MP3, a variety of compression levels can be set. For instance, an MP3 created with 192 Kbit compression will be of a greater quality and larger file size than that of a 128 Kbit compression. The more the compression level decreases, the lesser the sound quality. Ultimately, the benefits of MP3 compression mean that people can back up their music collection onto hard disc or burn their own music selections onto CDs which hold over 100 songs (CD-RW in data format).
What's the best software for listening to MP3?
Before you download any software, you will want to have a soundcard and speakers. When it comes to MP3 software players, to each their own. However, Winamp is widely regarded as being the most popular MP3 player for Windows users. It features a wide variety of plug-ins and can be customized to the user's requirements. Winamp can also be used to tune into online broadcasts. Macintosh users might want to try out MacAmp.
Many people are now using the Rip, Mix and Burn philosophy for creating thier own mixes of music on CD's they create themsleves. Many new models of car stereos, portable stereos, home stereo equipment as well as PC's can play these home-created music CD's on media called CD-R's and CD-RW's.
How Can I Play MP3's?
Even if you have never installed a special player, you can probably play MP3 files on your computer right now. The Media Player that comes with newer versions of Windows, or QuickTime 4 for Macintosh, work just fine. However, Windows users may wish to download the industry-standard Winamp. This product used to be shareware, but is now completely free, and its added features make it worthwhile. There are many other products listed in MP3 Players and Recorders.
Where Can I Find MP3's, and
How Do I Download Them?
The best way to find a specific song, especially if it is well-known, is to use one of the many MP3 search engines. You need to know that there are many different methods of downloading files - from Web sites, FTP sites, through Peer to Peer (P2P) applications as well as combing through Newsgroups. You can of course burn your own collection of CD's into MP3's. |
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What is the differance between Dolby surround sound and Dolby Digital? |
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In easy to understand terms, Dolby surround uses a mono rear channel to feed both rear speakers. With Dolby Digital the rear channels are seperate and are in stereo. Adding this extra channel inhances the effect dramaticaly. |
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I here all these technical terms, but what do they mean? |
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CAR STEREO TERMS
Head Unit: A dash-mount component that usually includes an AM/FM tuner section and a transport that plays CDs, DVDs, MP3s, and cassettes.
Tuner Section: The part of a head unit that takes signals from the antenna and selects the desired frequency from the AM/FM/XM/Sirius, or other range of frequencies.
Treble: High frequencies such as those produced by flutes, harps, violins, and singers such as altos and sopranos.
Bass: Low frequencies such as those produced by bass guitars, bass drums, bass and baritone singers and the lower part of keyboard instruments.
Amplify: To make louder; to increase the level of volume.
Watt: The unit of electrical power; 746 watts equal around 1 horsepower.
THD: Short for total harmonic distortion; THD is a measure of how much a component distorts a signal. Its a percentage expressing the relationship of the input signal and the spurious harmonics.
HOME THEATER TERMS
Amplification
Increase in signal level, amplitude or magnitude.
Amplifier
A device which increases the level of signal (by increasing the voltage or current). Some amplifiers are used to isolate or control a signal, and may not increase level - or may actually decrease the level.
Analog
An electrical signal whose frequency and level vary continuously in direct relationship to the original acoustical sound waves. "Analog" also may refer to a control or circuit, which continuously changes the level of a signal in a direct relationship to the control setting.
Anamorphically Squeezed
This process, which is used on few laserdiscs, a few DVDs and even fewer TV broadcasts, is used to achieve a widescreen image, where the image is considerably wider than standard NTSC fare, once it is 'unsqueezed'. The wider image is squeezed into the skinnier aspect ratio, which is usually the NTSC standard of 4:3/1.33:1. Un-squeezing can be done with a 'stretching circuits' in the TV. The end result (if left un-squeezed) is a picture with really skinny objects. Another option which has less detail, but is more widely used is letterboxing the picture.
Aspect Ratio
This describes the width of a picture to the height. The NTSC standard is 4:3. The current HDTV standard is 16:9. Modern movies range from 1.66:1 to 2.4:1. By far the most common are 1.85:1 and 2.35:1.
Bipole Speakers
One type of surround speaker. In this instance two or more drivers are facing different directions, and their cones vibrate in phase. This causes an omni-directional sound.
Bypass
An alternate signal path that goes around a given circuit. A "hard wire" bypass uses a switch and a piece of wire to route the signal from the input to the output of a device. A "bypass" switch is sometimes called an "in-out" switch.
Crossover Frequency
In a 2-way loudspeaker system, the frequency below which the sound feeds the low frequency driver and above which the sound feeds the high frequency driver.
CRT Projector
One type of front projector. It consists of three tubes each putting out one color: red, green, and blue. They offer brightness and detail, but are difficult to setup, and convergence is required about two times a year.
Digital Light Processor (DLP)
Digital Light Processing (DLP) generates images by reflecting light off the surface of a digital micromirror device (DMD) containing hundreds of thousands of tiny mirrors, then through a color wheel and a lens and onto the screen. Higher resolution projectors have more mirrors in their DMD's-reflecting a greater amount of light for brighter images.
Digital Micro-mirror Device (DMD)
A mirror that is very small that can be kept as is or tilted x amount of degrees in order to reflect light. As such, it is either on or off. It can be turned on and off at various rates per second to achieve different levels of brightness. Commonly used together to form micromirror "wafers" and are controlled by a Digital Light Processor (DLP).
Dipole Speakers
One type of surround speaker. In this instance two or more drivers are facing different directions (most commonly and by definition 180 degrees) and their cones are vibrating out-of-phase. This causes nulling out of the sound by the viewing area which forms a "figure-8" sound field.
Discrete
Audio information can be assigned and sent to exact speakers.
Dolby AC-3
The old name for the most popular 5.1-channel home theater sound system. Is now called Dolby Digital. Consists of front left/right speakers, a center speaker, left/right surrounds, and a Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel, usually used with a subwoofer. See AC-3 vs. DTS.
Dolby Digital
1 - The new name for the most popular 5.1-channel home theater sound system. Used to be called Dolby AC-3. Consists of front left/right speakers, a center speaker, left/right surrounds, and a Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel, usually used with a subwoofer. 2 - A 5.1-channel sound system. used in some commercial movie theaters in which the sound is placed in between the sprockets on the film.
Dolby Pro-Logic
Most popular surround format. Almost any receiver nowadays has it. Uses matrixed surround in order to encode four channels of sound: left/right front channels, a center channel, and one surround channel. It is quite a common occurrence to see two speakers used for the one surround channel however, as well as a subwoofer to supplement the speakers.
Dolby Surround
Another surround format that came out before Dolby ProLogic. It consists of only three channels: left/right front channels, and one surround channel. 2 - Another surround format that came out before Dolby Prologic. It consists of only three channels: left/right front channels, and one surround channel.
Driver
Another name for a loudspeaker; usually the term is used when the loudspeaker is coupled to a "horn" for acoustic coupling and controlled dispersion of sound.
Efficiency
In general sense, efficiency is the ration of energy output to the total energy input, expressed as a percentage. In speaker systems, efficiency refers to the ration of total acoustic watts radiated to total electrical watts input. Home speaker systems of 1% to 3% efficiency are typical, while larger horn-loaded sound reinforcement speakers sometimes reach 10% efficiency or more. Efficiency should not be confused with sensitivity, which measures only the on-axis sound pressure level in relation to electrical input power.
Frequency
The rapidity of change in current of voltage in an electrical signal or of air pressure in an acoustical signal. Frequency is measured in cycles per second; 1 cycle per second (cps) is 1 Hertz (Hz). The higher a note on the musical scale, the higher its frequency.
Front Projector
One type of viewing device. This is a separate unit that projects the image onto a screen allowing screen sizes of over 300".
High Definition TeleVision (HDTV)
New viewing standard with an aspect ratio of 16:9/1.78:1. It is slated to have over 1000 lines of resolution, as well as to have Dolby Digital be the official sound format. There is an analog system in Japan, and a digital system proposed by the Grand Alliance for the US. This system is supposed to co-exist with the current standard and eventually replace NTSC around the year 2006.
Impedance
The total opposition to the flow of alternating current in an electrical circuit. Impedance is measured in ohms.
LCD Projector
One type of front projector. Liquid Crystal Display transmits light through a tiny LCD screen and then projects it for a larger image. One major benefit is that convergence and adjustments are not required to perfect the picture. One drawback is that this technology results in pixellation.
Letterbox
This process, which is used on many laserdiscs and some TV broadcasts, is used to achieve a widescreen image, where the image is considerably wider than standard NTSC fare. The end result is a wider picture with black bands on the top and bottom of the screen, which reduces the overall resolution of the image. Another option with greater detail, but is less widely used is anamorphically squeezing the picture.
Light-Valve Projector
One type of front projector. It combines the technologies of LCD projectors and CRT projectors. They offer exceptional detail and brightness. Line Doubler/Tripler/Quadrupler Doubles, triples or quadruples the number of lines that make up a picture, therefore increasing detail, and ridding the picture of scan lines. Usually used with front projectors.
Matrixed Surround
Term used to describe the process to make Dolby Pro-Logic compatible material. It fits four channels of sound into a space meant for two channels. The center channel is decoded by using material common to both left/right channels, and the surround channel is decoded by extracting the sounds with inverse waveforms. This process results in channel leakage.
Monopole Speakers
One type of speaker with all drivers facing one direction. Used for precise placement of sounds. Usually used in front and center speakers.
NTSC
The standard by which TV is broadcast in the US. It has a theoretical maximum resolution of 525 lines. Also has an aspect ratio of 4:3 or 1.33:1.
Ohm
The unit of measure of electrical resistance or impedance.
Omni directional
Equal sensitivity in all directions. Usually refers to non-directional microphones.
PAL
The standard by which TV is broadcast in Europe. It has a theoretical maximum resolution of 625 lines. Also has an aspect ratio of 4:3/1.33:1, and in some places 16:9/1.78:1.
Pan and Scan
A technique used in which the right and/or left edges of widescreen material is chopped off in order to fit the picture into a narrower aspect ratio, for example the NTSC standard of 4:3 or 1.33:1. Pepople who do this select the best part of the image to scan, and then if the whole image needs to be seen, scans across the rest of the frame.
Polysilicon
Polysilicon technology splits light into red, green and blue (RGB) components and directs each to its own liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. Each LCD creates an image for its respective color by blocking out portions of the light (similar to a film negative). The output or images of the three panels is then "assembled" by a prism and transmitted through a lens to project a fully saturated color image.
Rear Projector
A type of viewing device: A translucent pane of glass or acrylic with a customized coating and structure to optimally refract video and computer imagery projected onto the side farthest from the audience.
Receiver
Component used in home theater
and stereo applications. A decoder, audio/video switcher, AM/FM tuner, and an amplifier built into one unit.
Refresh Rate
The rate at which the picture redraws itself in one second. Usually expressed in hertz (Hz).
Resolution
A term associated with the number of lines that make up the vertical portion of the picture. The higher the number, the more detailed the picture.
Screen
What the picture is projected onto. The screen is more important when it comes to front projectors, when the screen must be bought separately.
Subwoofer
This is a separate speaker used to handle the bass of movie soundtracks, and can be used with the Low Frequency Effects channel in the new digital sound formats. These speakers can sometimes handle frequencies as low as 15hz.
Surround Sound
The popular term used to describe an experience where the sound 'surrounds' you. This is best achieved using surround-encoded material, a receiver, and surround speakers.
Surround Speaker
Set of four, rear (surround), and center channel speakers. Used to create "life like" sound reproduction in movies.
THX
Rumored to stand for the Tomlinson Holman eXperience. Others say it was named after George Lucas' first film, THX-1138. THX is a set of standards by which laserdiscs and video tapes are made, as well as by which home theater equipment is made. They are supposed to yield the highest quality in home theater.
Tweeter
A loudspeaker used in a 2-way or more complex speaker system to reproduce only the treble of high frequencies of the audible spectrum.
Watt
A unit of measure for electrical or acoustical power.
Widescreen
Term used to describe a picture in which the aspect ratio is wider than the NTSC standard of 4:3/1.33:1. Almost all movies made nowadays are shot in some widescreen format. To solve the problem of different aspect ratios, several different techniques can be used. Among them are anamorphic squeezing, letterboxing, and Pan and Scanning.
Woofer
A loudspeaker or driver in a 2-way or more complex speaker system that is used to reproduce only the bass or lower part of the audible spectrum. |
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Which is better Plasma or LCD TV's? |
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The short answer is...It depends. This is a complicated and detailed topic between two technologies that process and display incoming video or computer input entirely differently. Both technologies are advancing rapidly and both are bringing down costs and end user prices at the same time. The collision between the two will take place in the 40" (diagonal) range of monitor/TV in the very near future.
The following are some advantages of each technology and how those advantages relate to a purchaser of either - for different uses:
1) SCREEN BURN-IN
LCD has almost no static image screen burn-in factors to consider. LCD (liquid crystal diode) technology uses essentially a fluorescent backlight to send light through its pixel design, which contains liquid crystal molecules and polarizing substrate to give form to light and color. The "liquid" crystal in an LCD is actually used in its solid state.
Plasma technology does have static image screen burn-in factors to consider. Static images will begin to "burn-in" the image displayed in a short period of time, approximately 15 minutes in some cases. Though the "burn-in" can generally be "washed" out using gray images or continual full color ranges over several hours, burn-in is a significant factor and hindrance to the plasma technology.
Advantage: LCD For applications such as airport displays with flight information, or retail static sales images displaying the same information or pictures on a continual basis - an LCD monitor will be the superior choice.
2) CONTRAST
Plasma technology has come a long way in developing higher contrast images. Panasonic now boasts that its plasma displays have a 3000:1 contrast ratio. Plasma technology simply blocks the power emitted (through complicated internal algorithms) to specific pixels in order to form dark or black pixels. While sometimes hurting gray scaling, this technique does produce dark blacks.
LCD by contrast has to increase the power voltage to make pixels darker. Thus, the higher the voltage surging into and through the pixel, the darker the LCD pixel. Though there are improvements in LCD contrast and black level, even the best producers of LCD technology such as Sharp can only produce a contrast of between 500:1 to 700:1.
Advantage: Plasma For scenes with lots of dark and light shown simultaneously from film originated material, DVD content, or action in games relying on lots of black content, plasma will outperform.
3) LONGEVITY
LCD manufacturers claim figures between 50,000 and 75,000 hours for LCD monitors/TVs. An LCD can last as long as the backlight (and backlight bulbs can actually be changed out). This is because the light is passing through a prism effect of the liquid crystal to produce the light and color. It's a substrate so there is nothing to effectively burn out.
Plasma by contrast uses a small electric pulse for each pixel to excite the rare natural gases argon, neon and xenon (phosphors) used to produce the color information and light. As electrons excite the phosphors oxygen atoms dissipate. These rare gases actually have a life and fade over time. Manufacturers of plasma place a time stamp of 25,000 to 30,000 hours on the life of these phosphors and thus, the display itself. They cannot be replaced. There is no phenomenon of "pumping" new gases into a plasma display.
Advantage: LCD by double or more. Again, for applications requiring industrial/commercial use such as 24/7 storefront displays, LCD is superior for longer use, without regard to picture requirements.
4) COLOR SATURATION
Color information is more specifically realized and accurately reproduced in plasma because all of the information needed to manufacture every color in the spectrum is contained in each pixel cell. Each pixel contains a blue, green, and red element to produce accurate color detailing. The saturation resulting from the plasma pixel design produces the most vibrant colors of any type of display in my opinion. Chromaticity coordinates are much more accurate on good plasma panels than on LCDs.
In LCD, controlling light waves at different speeds to allow them to pass through long thin crystal molecules is a more difficult template for producing accuracy and vibrancy in color. Color information benefits from the smaller pixel design of most LCD monitors, but would not be as impressive as plasma at the same size pixel level.
Advantage: Plasma by a good margin. For video content especially fast moving images, plasma technology will excel. LCD is preferred when displaying a static computer image, not only because of burn-in, but because it will also produce nice smooth color with this type of setting.
5) ALTITUDE
As mentioned earlier, LCD is a backlit technology with crystal molecules deflecting light at angles to give color and definition. As such, there is nothing to pressure the unit at altitude and no real limitations. This explains the use of LCD screens as the primary viewing screen for the airlines in flight video material.
Since the plasma display element on a plasma TV is actually a glass substrate envelope containing rare natural gases, thinner air causes increased stress on the gases inside the envelope. This increases the amount of power required to run and cool the plasma which causes louder buzzing or fan noise. These problems usually start to occur at around 6500 feet.
Advantage: LCD For any type of application above Denver, I would use LCD monitors.
6) VIEWING ANGLE
Plasma has always boasted a 160 degree viewing angle, which is as good as it gets. LCD has come a long way toward improving viewing angles. The substrate material on newer generation LCD's by Sharp and NEC has been improved drastically as well as increasing dynamic range. However, they did have a long way to go and there is still a noticeable difference between the two technologies when viewing from angles.
Advantage: Plasma. Each cell is lit on its own allowing for superb brightness through every pixel. No backlit device (like LCD) will match up well from the angles with plasma.
7) COMPUTER USE
LCD displays static images from computer extremely effectively and with full color detail, no flicker, and no screen burn in.
Plasma is challenged with static images from computer. Though it will display them well, screen burn in is an issue as well as a "step" effect in the lower resolution panels when displaying static lettering (Powerpoint). Video images are good but there can be some flicker depending upon the manufacturer quality of the unit and the resolution being displayed. Plasma still wins out on angle viewing of course.
Advantage: LCD except at harsh angles.
8) VIDEO PLAYBACK
Plasma will get the nod here because of the excellent performance with fast moving images, high contrast levels, color saturation, and brightness.
With LCD there can be a "trailer" effect during fast pace scenes from video as the technology is much slower reacting to color changes. This results from the light prisms that must be produced from controlling voltages applied to "bend" the light. The higher the voltage applied to the crystal, the darker the image in that section of the LCD panel. This is also the reason for the lower contrast levels.
Advantage: Plasma by a good margin. For DVD, or any streaming video content, TV or HDTV - plasma will deliver non distracting, high contrast (depending on the plasma), high color saturation viewing. LCD has come a long way but is still challenged at the same size comparison while looking great at the smaller sizes.
9) PRODUCTION SIZE AND COST/PRICE
Though both panels are difficult to produce in large panels, plasma has proven the easier of the two as manufacturers have produced plasma panels in the 60" to 63" range. While these displays are still very costly, they have proven that they operate effectively and reliably.
LCD substrate material is difficult to produce in larger sizes without pixel defects. The largest LCD at this moment is a 40" commercial version by NEC. Before that Sharp stretched the LCD horizon from 20" to 22" then 30" and now is just starting to ship its new 37" diagonal widescreen panel.
Advantage: Plasma. Even though costs and prices are coming down on both technologies (except the very large plasma panels), plasma still holds the lower cost and higher production capacity and thus pricing advantage. The 50" plasma panel size is extremely popular and is quickly gaining market share from the previously dominant 42" size. This trend of plasma being the lower cost and price producer will likely continue for at least 2 years.
10) VOLTAGE REQUIREMENTS
By using a type of fluorescent backlighting system for light production, LCD has much lower voltage requirements than its plasma counterpart. Plasma by contrast has the challenging requirement of powering hundreds of thousands of transparent electrodes to provide light and excite the encased phosphors of each cell.
Advantage: LCD by double.
So where does the battle stand right now in 2003? "Right now, plasma has gotten an early jump into the category, and rightly so," says Al Giazzon, vice president of marketing for NEC/Mitsubishi Electronics, which sells LCDs and CRTs. That's partly because, at the moment, vendors of large LCDs simply can't compete on price.
Carl Steudle, marketing vice president for LG.Philips LCD America believes that consumers will gradually move to LCDs for better screen quality, higher reliability (LCDs have none of the burn-in issues associated with plasma), and longer product life. LCDs last for about 50,000 hours versus 30,000 hours for today's plasma screens. He expects LCD TV sales to grow tremendously over the next few years, to 9 million in 2005 and to over 18 million in 2006. But while larger-format LCD TVs will increase in popularity in the second half of the decade, he doesn't anticipate that they will kill off plasmas..."I think they can coexist,". |
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| Q: |
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How do I pick a screen? |
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1. Pick the Type of Screen:
Front or Rear Projection
Will the projector be mounted or sitting somewhere within the room? If you have it mounted to your ceiling your will need a front projection screen. If the projector is recessed behind the screen and the image flipped, you will need a rear projection screen.
Portable, Wall or Ceiling
If you will be taking your projector from room to room or moving it from location to location, you will want a portable screen that you can take with you. A wall screen will be permanently mounted on a wall and a ceiling mounted screen will hang from your ceiling.
Manual or Electric
This refers to how the screen will be put away when not in use. A manual screen can be rolled back into its cabinet by hand. An electric screen can be rolled into its cabinet electrically with a wall switch or remote.
2. Screen Size:
To choose a screen size you must first determine the size of your room. Will your projector be ceiling mounted or set on a table? You'll also need to check the throw distance on the particular projector that you plan on using.
Calculation a Custom Screen Size
To calculate a custom screen size, use the following calculations for your screen format type.
NTSC 1.33
Diagonal/1.667=Height
HeightX1.33=Width
Width/1.33=Heigh
HeightX1.667=Diagonal
HDTV 1.78
Diagonal X 0.49091=Height
Diagonal X 0.87247=Width
Height X 2.0395= Digaonal
Width X 1.14585=Diagonal
HeightX 1.78 = Width
Width X 0.561837=Height
Letterbox 1.85
Diagonal X 0.4762 = Height
Diagonal X 0.8800= Width
Height X 2.100= Diagonal
Width X 1.125= Diagonal
Height X 1.85 = Width
Width X 0.5405=Height
Screen Size Conversion
Using Existing Height
NTSC 1.33 HDTV 1.78 Letterbox 1.85
HxW HxW HxW
43x57 43x77 43x80
50x67 50x89 50x93
57x77 57x102 57x105
60x80 60x107 60x111
69x92 69x123 69x128
87x116 87x155 87x161
105x140 105x187 105x194
Using Existing Width
43x57 32x57 31x57
50x67 38x67 36x67
57x77 43x77 42x77
60x80 45x80 43x80
69x92 52x92 50x92
87x116 65x116 63x116
105x140 79x140 76x140
3. Format: Refer to "aspect ratios" in the glossary for more information.
NTSC
1.33 or 4:3
Letterbox
1.85
HDTV
1.78 or 16:9
35 MM
1.32 |
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| Q: |
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Why would i choose a projector over a large screen TV? |
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Why choose a projector and screen over a large screen television?
Space - A projector can be mounted on the ceiling or set behind the viewing area on a shelf or table. The screen can be mounted to a wall, recessed into the ceiling or the floor. This leaves much more floor space and allows for more living space.
Cost - Cost is comparable. A good large screen TV will cost from $3,000 to $5,000+ dollars. A projector and screen combination can cost as little as $3500.
Versatility - A projector provides many options for viewing versatility. You can mount it permanently in your living room or TV room or you can move it from room to room. Big Superbowl party at your neighbors? Take the projector and screen (or just project it onto a blank white wall). You can set it up outside in the summer and watch movies under the night sky.
Viewing area - With a projector and screen, you can get up to a 30' viewing diagonal. A zoom lens and focus allow for different sizes in different locations. Different placements within a room will allow for various screen sizes.
Options - A projector can be plugged into any device that uses RCA, VGA or S-Video cables. Plug your DVD player into it to watch movies. Plug it into your home computer to surf the internet as a family. Watch video games at life size when you plug it into your game machine. Digital Satellite Systems, TV's and camcorders can all be plugged into your multi-purpose projector as well. It can be plugged into any device that uses a RCA, VGA or S-Video cables.
Ease of use - Projectors are ready to go as soon as you open the box. Plug it into power and then plug it into your viewing device. No additional set-up or convergence required.
Clarity - With a projector, you will see no visible pixilization as you do with your current television set. This makes for a better, clearer viewing image. |
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What is Satellite TV? |
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When satellite television first hit the market, home dishes were expensive metal units that took up a huge chunk of yard space. In these early years, only the most die-hard TV fans would go through all the hassle and expense of putting in their own dish. Satellite TV was a lot more difficult than broadcast and cable TV.
Today, you see compact satellite dishes perched on rooftops all over the United States. Drive through rural areas beyond the reach of the cable companies and you'll find dishes on just about every house. The major satellite television companies are bringing in more customers every day with the lure of movies, sporting events and news from around the world.
Conceptually, satellite television is a lot like broadcast television. It's a wireless system for delivering television programming directly to a viewer's house. Both broadcast television and satellite stations transmit programming via a radio signal. Broadcast stations use a powerful antenna to transmit radio waves to the surrounding area. Viewers can pick up the signal with a small antenna. The main limitation of broadcast television is range. The radio signals used to broadcast television shoot out from the broadcast antenna in a straight line. In order to receive these signals, you have to be in the direct "line of sight" of the antenna. Small obstacles like trees or small buildings aren't a problem; but a big obstacle, such as the Earth, will reflect these radio waves.
If the Earth were perfectly flat, you could pick up broadcast television thousands of miles from the source. But because the planet is curved, it eventually breaks the signal's line of site. The other problem with broadcast television is that the signal is often distorted even in the viewing area. To get a perfectly clear signal like you find on cable, you have to be pretty close to the broadcast antenna without too many obstacles in the way.
Satellite television solves both of these problems by transmitting broadcast signals from satellites orbiting the Earth. Since satellites are high in the sky, there are a lot more customers in the line of site. Satellite television systems transmit and receive radio signals using specialized antennas called satellite dishes.
Satellites are higher in the sky than TV antennas, so they have a much larger "line of sight" range.
The television satellites are all in geosynchronous orbit, meaning that they stay in one place in the sky relative to the Earth. Each satellite is launched into space at about 7,000 mph (11,000 kph), reaching approximately 22,200 miles (35,700 km) above the Earth. At this speed and altitude, the satellite will revolve around the planet once every 24 hours -- the same period of time it takes the Earth to make one full rotation. In other words, the satellite keeps pace with our moving planet exactly. This way, you only have to direct the dish at the satellite once, and from then on it picks up the signal without adjustment, at least when everything works right.
At the core, this is all there is to satellite television. But as we'll see in the next section, there are several important steps between the original programming source and your television.
Today most satellite TV customers get their programming through a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) provider, such as DirecTV or the Dish Network. The provider selects programs and broadcasts them to subscribers as a set package. Basically, the provider's goal is to bring dozens or even hundreds of channels to your television in a form that approximates the competition, cable TV. Unlike earlier programming, the provider's broadcast is completely digital, which means it has much better picture and sound quality. Early satellite television was broadcast in C-band radio -- radio in the 3.4-gigahertz (GHz) to 7-GHz frequency range. Digital broadcast satellite transmits programming in the Ku frequency range (12 GHz to 14 GHz ).
There are five major components involved in a direct to home (DTH) satellite system: the programming source, the broadcast center, the satellite, the satellite dish and the receiver.
Programming Souce:
Programming sources are simply the channels that provide programming for broadcast. The provider doesn't create original programming itself; it pays other companies (HBO, for example, or ESPN) for the right to broadcast their content via satellite. In this way, the provider is kind of like a broker between you and the actual programming sources. (Cable television companies work on the same principle.)
Broadcast Center:
The broadcast center is the central hub of the system. At the broadcast center, the television provider receives signals from various programming sources and beams a broadcast signal to satellites in geostationary orbit.
Satellite:
The satellites receive the signals from the broadcast station and rebroadcast them to the ground.
Satellite Dish:
The viewer's dish picks up the signal from the satellite (or multiple satellites in the same part of the sky) and passes it on to the receiver in the viewer's house.
Satellite Receiver:
The receiver processes the signal and passes it on to a standard television.
Programming:
Satellite TV providers get programming from two major sources: national turnaround channels (such as HBO, ESPN and CNN) and various local channels (the NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS and Fox affiliates in a particular area). Most of the turnaround channels also provide programming for cable television, and the local channels typically broadcast their programming over the airwaves.
Turnaround channels usually have a distribution center that beams their programming to a geostationary satellite. The broadcast center uses large satellite dishes to pick up these analog and digital signals from several sources.
Most local stations don't transmit their programming to satellites, so the provider has to get it another way. If the provider includes local programming in a particular area, it will have a small local facility consisting of a few racks of communications equipment. The equipment receives local signals directly from the broadcaster through fiber-optic cable or an antenna and then transmits them to the central broadcast center.
The broadcast center converts all of this programming into a high-quality, uncompressed digital stream. At this point, the stream contains a vast quantity of data -- about 270 megabits per second (Mbps) for each channel. In order to transmit the signal from there, the broadcast center has to compress it. Otherwise, it would be too big for the satellite to handle. In the next section, we'll find out how the signal is compressed.
Compression, Encryption & Transmission:
The two major providers in the United States use the MPEG-2 compressed video format -- the same format used to store movies on DVDs. With MPEG-2 compression, the provider can reduce the 270-Mbps stream to about 5 or 10 Mbps (depending on the type of programming). This is the crucial step that has made DBS service a success. With digital compression, a typical satellite can transmit about 200 channels. Without digital compression, it can transmit about 30 channels.
At the broadcast center, the high-quality digital stream of video goes through an MPEG-2 encoder, which converts the programming to MPEG-2 video of the correct size and format for the satellite receiver in your house.
The MPEG encoder analyzes each frame and decides how to encode it. The encoder eliminates redundant or irrelevant data, and extrapolates information from other frames to reduce the overall size of the file. Each frame can be encoded in one of three ways:
As an intraframe - An intraframe contains the complete image data for that frame. This method of encoding provides the least compression.
As a predicted frame - A predicted frame contains just enough information to tell the satellite receiver how to display the frame based on the most recently displayed intraframe or predicted frame. This means that the frame contains only the data that relates to how the picture has changed from the previous frame.
As a bidirectional frame - To display a bidirectional frame, the receiver must have the information from the surrounding intraframe or predicted frames. Using data from the closest surrounding frames, the receiver interpolates the position and color of each pixel.
This process occasionally produces "artifacts" -- little glitches in the video image -- but for the most part, it creates a clear, vivid picture.
The rate of compression depends on the nature of the programming. If the encoder is converting a newscast, it can use a lot more predicted frames because most of the scene stays the same from one frame to the next. In other sorts of programming, such as action movies and music videos, things change very quickly from one frame to the next, so the encoder has to create more intraframes. As a result, something like a newscast generally compresses to a much smaller size than something like an action movie.
After the video is compressed, the provider needs to encrypt it in order to keep people from accessing it for free. Encryption scrambles the digital data in such a way that it can only be decrypted (converted back into usable data) if the receiver has the correct decryption algorithm and security keys.
Once the signal is compressed and encrypted, the broadcast center beams it directly to one of its satellites. The satellite picks up the signal with an onboard dish, amplifies the signal and uses a another dish to beam the signal back to Earth, where viewers can pick it up.
The Dish:
A satellite dish is just a special kind of antenna designed to focus on a specific broadcast source. The standard dish consists of a parabolic (bowl-shaped) surface and a central feed horn. To transmit a signal, a controller sends it through the horn, and the dish focuses the signal into a relatively narrow beam.
The curved dish reflects energy from the feed horn, generating a narrow beam.
The dish on the receiving end can't transmit information; it can only receive it. The receiving dish works in the exact opposite way of the transmitter. When a beam hits the curved dish, the parabola shape reflects the radio signal inward onto a particular point, just like a concave mirror focuses light onto a particular point.
The curved dish focuses incoming radio waves onto the feed horn.
In this case, the point is the dish's feed horn, which passes the signal onto the receiving equipment. In an ideal setup, there aren't any major obstacles between the satellite and the dish, so the dish receives a clear signal.
In some systems, the dish needs to pick up signals from two or more satellites at the same time. The satellites may be close enough together that a regular dish with a single horn can pick up signals from both. This compromises quality somewhat, because the dish isn't aimed directly at one or more of the satellites. A new dish design uses two or more horns to pick up different satellite signals. As the beams from different satellites hit the curved dish, they reflect at different angles so that one beam hits one of the horns and another beam hits a different horn.
The central element in the feed horn is the low noise blockdown converter, or LNB. The LNB amplifies the radio signal bouncing off the dish and filters out the noise (radio signals not carrying programming). The LNB passes the amplified, filtered signal to the satellite receiver inside the viewer's house.
The Receiver:
The end component in the entire satellite TV system is the receiver. The receiver has four essential jobs:
It de-scrambles the encrypted signal. In order to unlock the signal, the receiver needs the proper decoder chip for that programming package. The provider can communicate with the chip, via the satellite signal, to make necessary adjustments to its decoding programs. The provider may occasionally send signals that disrupt illegal de-scramblers, as an electronic counter measure (ECM) against illegal users.
It takes the digital MPEG-2 signal and converts it into an analog format that a standard television can recognize. In the United States, receivers convert the digital signal to the analog NTSC format. Some dish and receiver setups can also output an HDTV signal.
It extracts the individual channels from the larger satellite signal. When you change the channel on the receiver, it sends just the signal for that channel to your TV. Since the receiver spits out only one channel at a time, you can't tape one program and watch another. You also can't watch two different programs on two TVs hooked up to the same receiver. In order to do these things, which are standard on conventional cable, you need to buy an additional receiver.
It keeps track of pay-per-view programs and periodically phones a computer at the provider's headquarters to communicate billing information.Receivers have a number of other features as well. They pick up a programming schedule signal from the provider and present this information in an onscreen programming guide. Many receivers have parental lock-out options, and some have built-in digital video recorders (DVRs), which let you pause live television or record it on a hard drive.
While digital broadcast satellite service is still lacking some of the basic features of conventional cable (the ability to easily split signals between different TVs and VCRs, for example), its high-quality picture, varied programming selection and extended service areas make it a good alternative for some. With the rise of digital cable, which also has improved picture quality and extended channel selection, the TV war is really heating up. Just about anything could happen in the next 10 years as all of these television providers battle it out. |
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| Q: |
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What exactly does the term "Home Theater" mean? |
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There are three types of home theater :
Basic Starter Theater
These types of theaters usually consist of a large screen television, VCR or other video source and anywhere between 2 and 6 speakers. All of these items can be purchased at a local audio video retailer for under $2,000.
True Home Theater
These types of theaters are meant to reproduce that of a movie theater. Insulated walls, plush seating, CRT projectors, screens, full surround sound, etc. Most "home theaters" are in their own dedicated "theater room". Cost range between $30,000 and $300,000 and up.
Home Video/Cinema
This category falls in between the starter theater and the home theater price wise. Using new technologies in projectors such as LCD and DLP, projectors are now smaller and cost thousands less. All of this without compromising video quality. In fact, in most applications, the LCD and DLP projectors out perform the traditional CRT's. This type of theater consists of a projector/screen, surround sound speakers and A/V equipment. Full packages start at $6,000. |
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| Q: |
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What are the different types of surround sound? |
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What is surround sound?
Surround sound (also known as multichannel sound) incorporates multiple speakers to envelop the listener, providing sound in front, to the sides, and behind. Movie theaters use surround sound to impact large audiences with the feeling of being in the middle of the action. Surround sound is an essential element in creating the home theater experience.
Information on surround sound speaker placement.
Dolby Surround
Dolby Surround is the earliest form of surround sound. It is a three-channel process meant to recreate a theater experience. The Dolby stereo track is channeled into the front left and front right speakers. A mono signal is then fed into both rear speakers.
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Pro Logic is an advanced version of Dolby Surround, adding a center channel speaker for music and effects. It is a four-channel system that directs the information to certain speakers. The four channels are the set of front speakers, one center channel speaker and one rear speaker.
Dolby Digital (AC-3)
Multichannel format introduced in 1996 presents 6 discrete audio channels. (Also described as 5.1) 5 of the 6 channels carry the entire bandwidth of sound with the 6 the speaker or LFE (Low Frequency Effects) Channel carries all the low-bass sounds. This enables you to maximize your action-adventure sequences with fuller explosions and sound effects. You are still able to hear bass sounds from your left and right front speakers even without a subwoofer, but you won't experience the full impact of audio without a subwoofer.
DTS Digital Surround
DTS Digital surround and Dolby Digital are nearly the same. The basic difference between these two formats is the method of compression or how the large audio data files are manipulated to fit in less space. In theory, this means more overall information available on the soundtrack. These two formats are not compatible, and require their own branded decoding chips on AV receivers and processors, as well as seperate digital outputs on DVD players. DTS and Dolby Digital will continue to co-exist in the marketplace.
THX
THX is a set of technical specifications in order to standardize the performance of surround sound. George Lucas developed these standards shortly after the film "Star Wars" was created. He did so in order to standardize the audio and video experience in theaters across the world so that his films would be represented as they were made, essential trying to recreate the original. Manufacturers of all theater and A/V products have been giving a set of performance specs that their products must to meet in order to meet the THX certification. THX is a certification that is can be an indication of how well a product has been built - although it should not be the only indication. Some manufacturers choose not to participate in the program preferring to build product to their own specs. |
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| Q: |
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What is Audio/Video design? |
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A/V Design is the careful integration of electronic entertainment and lifestyle. Miles ahead of the typical components-in-a-rack approach, A/V Design encompasses dedicated home theaters, whole-house entertainment systems and home automation systems that can include lighting, air conditioning, window treatments and security, in addition to audio and video.
Like plumbers and electricians, A/V Designers/ Installers are building trade contractors. And like these other specialties, A/V Design is best considered as early as possible in the overall design process. You'll discover the benefits of entertainment that's built-in, not add-on. And you'll see that entertainment can be part of your home investment -- not an expensive afterthought.
The right A/V Design can transform a conventional home into a showplace -- and turn a luxury home into a singular experience. A Mike's Authorized A/V Designer/Installer can work with you to make dreams come true.
Media Rooms.
These are multi-purpose rooms with complete Audio/Video entertainment systems. Typically, the systems have a major presence in the room when they are in use. Yet they can completely disappear when they're switched off.
Dedicated Home Theaters.
Single-purpose rooms for Audio/Video entertainment, Home Theaters can include theatrical-style seating, proscenium curtains and other design touches that put the focus on entertainment.
Whole-House Entertainment.
Distributed audio/video systems can open up a world of entertainment options. Hundreds of CDs stored in the Media Room can be remotely accessed, controlled and enjoyed in bedrooms, hallways, patios and pools. And hundreds of centrally stored DVD movies can be viewed anywhere there's a television.
Home Automation.
Audio/Video entertainment can be integrated with lighting, security, and electrical systems, with everything controlled from a single touchscreen. And a single touch of a button can combine functions, for example: turn on the video projector, bring the projection screen down from the ceiling, close the drapes and dim the lights!
Home Networking.
A Local Area Network (LAN) can connect all your PCs to the Internet. And integrated networking is an emerging possibility for telephone, data, entertainment and security.
Another crucial reason to choose a Mike's Authorized A/V Designer/Installer is access to the full range of equipment. As your consultant, he can design a system that incorporates world-famous consumer products along with legendary professional video projectors and flat-panel monitors. You'll get a solution custom tailored to your needs and expectations.
Like everything in home construction, A/V Design is a process that works best when it runs according to a schedule. What may surprise you is just how early that schedule begins. It's important to get an A/V Designer/Installer involved as early as possible!
Step 1: Planning.
The A/V Designer works with you to determine your specific lifestyle needs -- room by room -- and to specify an ideal solution. With access to a full range of technology, your Mike's Authorized A/V Designer can make dreams come true. If your plans involve a media room or home theater, the A/V Designer can help you and your architect locate windows, doors and fireplaces and help optimize ventilation, lighting, acoustic insulation and electrical service. Now is the time to decide whether to show or hide the A/V equipment, an important consideration for custom cabinetry and closet space. The A/V Designer can also help you determine needs for telephone service, data networking, distributed A/V and security.
Step 2: Pre-Wiring.
After your electrician and plumber have finished and before the walls get thermal insulation and drywall, the A/V Designer/Installer wires the house. Industry experts estimate that wiring requires 7 to 10 times as much labor after the walls have been closed. So it pays to wire for every possibility while everything is open.
Step 3: Trim-Out.
After drywall, the A/V Designer/Installer returns to install wall plates with the proper jacks and connectors. In new construction, this typically occurs just before you close on the property.
Step 4: Finish.
Finally, the A/V Designer/Installer delivers and installs the A/V products and verifies system function. Next the A/V Designer actually walks you through system operation, making sure you understand each step! Even afterwards, the A/V Designer can stay in touch for expansion and upgrades, keeping your system refreshed with the latest technology! |
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| Q: |
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Did you know that Sony----- |
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--has invented, co-invented, spearheaded and launched so many of the technologies that define digital home entertainment. But that's just a part of the Sony story. Sony is a founding member of CEDIA, the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association. We play an active role in setting industry standards for audio, video and home networking. And ten years ago, we created Sony Consumer Integrated Systems, a team of professionals specifically dedicated to custom A/V design and installation.
A dedicated division.
Sony Consumer Integrated Systems supports the A/V Design community with access to Sony consumer and professional products. We manufacture products that enable Sony Authorized A/V designers to seamlessly integrate Sony components. We maintain libraries of technical information. We offer engineering support to our installers. We provide education programs for installers and architects alike. And we conduct a thorough certification program for Sony Authorized A/V Designer/Installers.
Sony Authorized A/V Designer/Installers.
Sony takes the worry out of picking an A/V Designer/Installer. Just as not everyone with a hammer is qualified to be a General Contractor, not everyone with a van is qualified to be a Sony Authorized A/V Designer/Installer. Our certification program takes us to the Designer/Installer offices, workshops and job sites. In the process, we look at every aspect of an applicant's business:
Client-friendliness. Sony Authorized A/V Designer/Installers understand how to consult and support an exclusive, highly discriminating clientele.
Technical expertise. The firms we choose demonstrate total familiarity with audio, video and home automation technologies.
Vision. Of course, Sony Authorized A/V Designer/Installers understand the needs you express today. But our installers also understand the requirements of tomorrow. Our installers typically "wire ahead of the client," opening the way to future possibilities without opening up the walls again.
Financial stability. We need our A/V contractors to be here today -- and here tomorrow.
Insurance. Before they're authorized, they've got to be insured.
In short, a Sony Authorized A/V Designer/Installer is supremely well qualified to understand your needs -- and delight you with the results. |
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| Q: |
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Why is one DVD player better than another? |
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For a full explanation click HEREEmail Removal |
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